Change or clean your filter once per month. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder, which means more energy use and higher utility bills.

Keep your west-facing drapes, shade or blinds drawn in the afternoon. Keeping the sun out will keep your home cooler.

Run your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer in the evening hours.

Don’t use your oven.

Keep your fan running. It helps to keep the air moving.

Don’t let your system go into setback. During high temperatures, the recovery time from a setback function does not help with your comfort.

Don’t overrun an exhaust fan. It pulls the air conditioning out of the house.

Use a programmable thermostat. This allows you to cool your home only when you need it.

Keep furniture and carpeting away from grills and ductwork. If you block your air conditioning system’s ability to deliver air, you rob yourself of the cooling necessary to keep your home comfortable.

Zone your heating and cooling system. If you spend most of your time in one part of the home or if different people in your home want the temperature at different settings, then zoning can help you be more comfortable and save money on your utility bills.

Use an attic ventilator. By pulling hot air out of your home, you can keep your home cooler in the summer.

Have your cooling system checked once per year. Your equipment works more efficiently when it is clean and running properly.

Before you call for service: Check the batteries in your programmable thermostat ( if it has them ), check that your breakers are on, and check that your thermostat is set to "cool." If your system seems to be running all the time, check to see if the thermostat’s fan position is set in the "on" position.

Be patient. Remember that contractors are working as fast as they can.

Be kind to the serviceman that arrives at your house. Remember that they are working in the heat and doing the best they can.